The Salvation Army Stands Strong in Texas

05 September 2017Last Updated: 05 September 2017

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, The Salvation Army is supporting one of the largest disaster relief operations in its history. To date, The Salvation Army has deployed 92 mobile feeding units (canteens) to impacted areas in the state of Texas from across the country. Joining them are Salvation Army trained disaster workers from across the United States and Canada.

The efforts of The Salvation Army in the Greater Houston Area have shifted to recovery, with The Salvation Army providing shelter and staffing mobile feeding units throughout the Greater Houston Area. Workers from across the United States and Canada continue to serve in Houston supporting efforts in the affected area.

The Salvation Army has a standing fleet of canteens designed for rapid and free-standing response in times of emergency. “Ten Salvation Army canteens from Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma are specifically deployed to serve Victoria and surrounding areas,” said Captain Chris Powell, The Salvation Army Incident Management Team Director serving the Victoria area. “The canteens are stocked twice a day with food and drinks ready to serve affected areas. They have the ability to respond quickly to changing conditions to serve those in need.”

Each canteen has the capacity to serve 1,000 meals each day. They continue to provide hot meals, snacks, and hydration to Hurricane Harvey survivors, in addition to cleaning kits and other supplies.

Response to The Salvation Army’s presence has been extremely positive and appreciative. “My house is destroyed and I would not have eaten today if you had not been here,” said a woman from Port Lavaca, “Thank you!”

“The Salvation Army has been on the ground helping residents get back on their feet so they can start to rebuild,” said Lieutenant Jeremy Mockabee, Operations Chief for The Salvation Army’s Victoria Incident Management Team. “The Salvation Army is here standing strong for the local community, ready to respond aggressively and serve compassionately as long as we are needed.”

How People Can Help

The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation. Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish.